Stewards aren’t infallible. A jockey, like anyone else in this
country, deserves due process. There has to be a system to examine
decisions made by stewards and make sure that the outcome is fair.

Rosie Napravnik, facing a seven-day suspension issued by Fair Grounds
stewards for careless riding in a race Jan. 29, appealed to the
Louisiana State Racing Commission last week. She can keep riding until
the appeal is heard. Because the commission likely won’t be meeting
before April, Napravnik won’t be serving the days during this Fair
Grounds season (even if she eventually loses the appeal or drops it).

In a competitive jockeys’ race, Napravnik is the leader in her first
season at the Fair Grounds. The appeal, which cost $500 to file, helps
her chances to win the title. Clearly, her smarts aren’t limited to the
track.